.xihuan Domain Information

Applicant Full Legal Name

QIHOO 360 TECHNOLOGY CO. LTD.

Legal Establishment

Company limited by shares

Applicant Address

R202, Block C1, Huitong Times Plaza
No. 71 Jianguo Road, Chaoyang District
Beijing 100025
CN

State Jurisdiction

CAYMAN ISLANDS

Applicant Website

http://www.360.cn

Applied for gTLD

XIHUAN

Mission/Purpose of Domain Extension

The mission and purpose of .XIHUAN Generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD) represents the Applicant, Qihoo 360 Technology Company Limited (360), its strategic and enduring effort in preserving Top-Level Domain resources for its existing and future businesses. 360 will also be filling three other gTLD... Read more

The mission and purpose of .XIHUAN Generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD) represents the Applicant, Qihoo 360 Technology Company Limited (360), its strategic and enduring effort in preserving Top-Level Domain resources for its existing and future businesses. 360 will also be filling three other gTLD strings in this application round, namely ".YUN", ".ANQUAN", and ".SHOUJI", in addition to the .XIHUAN string. These four applied-for strings are perfect representation of 360's ultimate business value and core competency to date and in foreseeable future. They are considered to be critically important to 360 as well as to over 400 million users that 360 serves.

Specifically, the .XIHUAN TLD will be offering through existing 360 social network and link-sharing / -collection service, as identifier for limited number of eligible registrants. The .XIHUAN will be based on a standard domain registry / registration bundled with available and applicable value-added service. The role of eligible registrant will be further defined, and should include both 360 and non-360 users. For more information regarding 360 social network and link-sharing / -collection service please visit http://www.woxihuan.com/. Currently, the service is available in China mainland only with nearly 200,000 registered users. 360 plans to expand its service globally upon the launch of the .XIHUAN TLD registry service.

As a company operating in fast-changing competitive landscape in Chinese Internet marketplace, 360 believes in and strives for constant evolution and innovation in its consumer-facing web and mobile services. 360 plans to make every possible attempt to ensure its user reliability, recognition, reputation, and experience at the Internet Top-Level. Based on further research and findings in domestic and international marketplace, there could be other areas and goals that 360 may identify prior to or upon launching the TLD registry.



About Qihoo 360 Technology Company Limited
We are the No. 3 Internet company in China as measured by user base, according to a report we commissioned from iResearch. In January 2011, we had over 400 million monthly active Internet users, representing a user penetration rate of 85.8% in China, according to iResearch. Recognizing security as a fundamental need of Internet and mobile users, we offer comprehensive high-quality Internet and mobile security products free of charge, providing users with secure access points to Internet activities. As a result, we have amassed a large and loyal user base, which we monetize primarily through offering online advertising and Internet value-added services.

We are also the No. 1 provider of Internet and mobile security products in China as measured by user base, according to iReseach. In January 2011, we had 328 million monthly active Internet security product users, representing a user penetration rate of 83.9% in China, according to iResearch.

Our core Internet and mobile security products include:
-- 360 Safe Guard and 360 Anti-virus, the No. 1 and No. 2 Internet security products in China, with 301 million and 248 million monthly active users in January 2011, respectively, according to iResearch;
-- 360 Mobile Safe, the No. 1 mobile security product in China, with a market share of 58.2% as measured by the number of active users in January 2011, according to iResearch.

Despite of global economic downturn, 360 continues to experience robust growth in all major areas throughout 2011 and particularly in the second half. As it maintains dominant market position in Chinaʹs Internet security industry, we continued to expand our market share in other key product areas. Our browsersʹ user penetration hit another record high of 59.5% at the end of 2011, compared to 41% at the end of 2010, further strengthening our leading market position. Total monthly active users of Qihoo 360ʹs products and services surpassed 400 million for the first time ever in our companyʹs history, a significant leap from 290 million at the end of 2010.

360 is a public-listed since March 2011 (NYSE: QIHU). Its latest corporate as well as financial information can be found at http://ir.360.cn/ .

As mentioned earlier, initially, all available second-level strings of .XIHUAN (e.g. example .XIHUAN) will be allocated only to eligible registrant for internal corporate business purposes. 360 plans to adopt this approach and expects to maintain it for up to 3 years (Initial Period) from the launch of the ".XIHUAN" registry service. Such approach will be regularly evaluated and adjusted if appropriate and necessary. Depending a various internal and external factors, including market demand and user expectation, 360 may consider a phased roll-out approach towards to the general public but will do so after the conclusion of the Initial Period. This approach shall help minimize potential technological, marketing and operational risks, and allow ample time for 360's management to evaluate best possible and long-term strategy of utilizing .XIHUAN TLD prominently.

360 has conduct some preliminary analysis of definition of eligible registrant and the potential use case options on the type of domain name that is permitted for registration and by whom. To the best of 360's knowledge as a registry operator, the eligible registrant may be:
-- a registered, verified, and paid 360 user;
-- a registered and verified 360 user with login activities at least once every week, for at least a consecutive 3-month prior to the launch of the registry;
-- registered and verified non-360 user from competing or non-competing websites in China or elsewhere in which 360 has acquired necessary mechanism, including and not limited to contractual agreement, to offer services through best-possible commercial means;
-- an official or frequently-used name of the department or business unit within 360;
-- a category of service or product, event, campaign, or other marketing initiatives as carried out by 360 or its affiliates;
-- a member of Board, Staff, affiliated person, partner or collaborator;
other relevant entity, sub-group, or personnel to be further defined

The eligible registrant is authorized to be a user or administrator of a .XIHUAN second level domain. Subject to operational requirement and other business factors, the eligible registrant should be able to register one or multiple .XIHUAN domain names. Specific roles and responsibilities of a registrant will be defined prior to the launch of the .XIHUAN TLD. 360 will ensure that its registrants are provided with clear guidance on registration policy, and the registry services are offered in a safe and trusted environment.

All four strings that 360 applies, once approved and delegated, will be under the management of a single business unit to ensure business sustainability, policy consistency, and operational stability of each TLD. This is also to offer an orderly launch program for any particular applied-for TLD. At its best current thinking, 360 does not plan to launch more than 1 string at any 6-month period. This thinking, however, is subject to market condition and other internal and external factors.×

Benefits

360 believes that the proposed .XIHUAN gTLD has the potential to offer two clear benefits to Internet users and consumers: .XIHUAN can provide the unique and clear identifier in the gTLD space for the convenience of existing and future 360 users, in particular for those who has become or has... Read more

360 believes that the proposed .XIHUAN gTLD has the potential to offer two clear benefits to Internet users and consumers:

-- .XIHUAN can provide the unique and clear identifier in the gTLD space for the convenience of existing and future 360 users, in particular for
those who has become or has interest to become 360's social network and link-sharing / -collection service
-- .XIHUAN can help elevate 360's overall business competency in the online marketplace and offer a higher level of user trust and confidence to 360 as well as to the Internet in general

What is the goal of your proposed gTLD in terms of areas of specialty, service levels, or reputation?
As Internet and mobile technologies evolve, 360 continues to evaluate opportunities to distribute its products and services to its users in China and in the rest of the world. While 360's intention of filing this application is to proactively preserving critical Internet naming resources as its core element of business competency in areas of social networking it is also important to recognize the following corporate goals at 360 posses -- Our goal is to enhance our position as the largest Internet and mobile security product and service provider and a leading Internet company in China and ultimately become a leading Internet company globally. To achieve our goal, we intend to:
-- continue to expand product and service offerings to grow user base and promote brand recognition and loyalty;
-- further monetize our large user base through open platforms;
-- continue to focus on R&D to enhance web-based Internet and mobile security technologies;
-- capitalize on the fast growing mobile Internet market;
-- selectively pursue international business expansion

The .XIHUAN gTLD is planned to be established as a cornerstone of these goals.



What do you anticipate your proposed gTLD will add to the current space, in terms of competition, differentiation, or innovation?
As mentioned in previous section, 360's intention of filing this application is to proactively preserving critical Internet naming resources as its core element of business competency, the success of the .XIHUAN TLD will not be measured and determined by the total number of domain name registered. Instead, it will be measured by the level of consumer recognition and confidence that is placed in .XIHUAN gTLD. It will be differentiated through its uniqueness as comparing to a purely generic term and the initial market / eligible registrant it intends to serve, not on pricing, time-to-market, "shelf space" on registrar storefront, etc. The potential innovation of this TLD, based on a standard domain registry / registration service as described in our replies to Q23~44, will be delivered through the proven success of 360 wide range of innovative and reliable services which has served more than 400 million users to this date. 360 believes the following strengths have contributed to our success and differentiate us from our competitors:
-- largest user base of Internet and mobile security products and services in China;
-- innovative pan-security solutions creating secure Internet access points;
-- strong monetization potential through open platforms;
-- leading Internet and mobile security brand in China;
-- leading cloud-based Internet technologies and strong R&D capabilities creating high entry barriers; and
-- seasoned management team with extensive industry knowledge and proven execution capabilities.

A .XIHUAN gTLD shall help elevate its existing market leadership to another level. However, any broader adoption of this competitive advantage will only be undertaken after 360 has confidence that the concerns of various government and law enforcement regarding ICANN's new gTLD process are properly addressed to its satisfaction.



What goals does your proposed gTLD have in terms of user experience?
360 believes that the .XIHUAN gTLD will provide an enhanced experience for the hundreds of millions of consumers both domestically and internationally that use its online services. In addition to providing consumers with shorter, memorable, and intuitive domain names to help customer navigate the website, 360 envisions best in class safeguards to minimize any potential phishing, pharming, or spam that have plagued the customers of other internet portals or content providers.

360 will make sure that accurate and current domain name information is collected from the registrant readily available in connection with each .XIHUAN domain name. If a broader eligibility of registrant has determined at later stage and individuals or companies are eventually permitted to register domain names in the .XIHUAN gTLD, 360 will re-evaluate its policies at that time to ensure that its policies are in compliance with adequate policies / best practices at that time.


Provide a complete description of the applicant's intended registration policies in support of the goals listed above.
As documented in Section 18(a), during the Initial Period of operation, 360 is intending to restrict registration and use of domain names with the gTLD to limited number of eligible registrant. Because of this condition precedent, any registration and use requirements are more appropriately vested in these corporate/subsidiary agreements and not in a domain name registration agreement. 360 mark is a valuable brand whose protection is of paramount important, any registration and use (e.g. trademark quality control provisions) must vest in these other agreements.

Aside from these concerns, 360 will incorporate all required ICANN consensus policies and other legal/policy requirements imposed on new gTLD applicants into the terms and conditions of the domain name registration agreement. Based on ICANN Registry Agreement, 360 sets and enforces .XIHUAN registration policies. General Registry Policies will be developed and made available prior to launch of TLD. Such policy decisions, based on ICANN Registry Agreement and relevant industry best practices, include but are not limited to:
-- Registration eligibility requirements
-- Which registrars may become accredited and sell domains
-- Wholesale prices offered to registrars
-- Reserved names
-- Phased allocation (Sunrise, Landrush, etc.) of the domain space at the second and third levels
-- Dispute policies
-- Technical policies, including SRS security and access.

This .XIHUAN General Registry Policies pertain techno-operational policies in the following areas:
1. Domain Registrations (Domain Objects) and the .XIHUAN Zone File
2. Domain Contacts (Contact Objects) and WHOIS Service
3. Dispute Resolution Policies
4. Obligations of Registered Name Holders

The General Registry Policies provides the framework for the general operations of the .XIHUAN Registry. Other policies, such as the .XIHUAN Eligibility, Reserved Name Policies, Sunrise Policies and other relevant policies are described separately in other documents published at the .XIHUAN TLD registry Websites. Pricing and technical specifications are published for Accredited Registrars only and provided separately.

The .XIHUAN TLD registry is committed to maintaining the integrity of the data within the .XIHUAN Registry and to implement policies that deter infringements. The .XIHUAN TLD Registry adopts the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) for facilitating the resolution of disputes over the registration and use of a second-level domain name registered under the .XIHUAN Registry. All domain name registrations must submit to the mandatory proceedings commenced under UDRP, which is available for review at http://www.icann.org/dndr/udrp/policy.htm. Complaints under the UDRP should be submitted to an approved dispute-resolution service provider listed at http://www.icann.org/dndr/udrp/approved-providers.htm.

Beyond the UDRP, all domain registrations must also submit to proceedings commenced under formally adopted dispute policies as set forth by 360 from time to time and published on the .XIHUAN TLD registry Website(s). Such dispute policies will take effect at the time they are announced on the .XIHUAN TLD registry Website(s), with or without prior notice to registrars or registrants.

Such dispute policies may include for example, but not limited to, expedited processes for suspension of a domain name by claims sought by intellectual property right holders (URS), Internet engineering and security experts or other competent claimants in the purpose of upholding the stability, security and integrity of the .XIHUAN Registry. Dispute policies may also include for example challenge processes adopted by the .XIHUAN Registry for special programs when occurred.

Moreover, based upon 360's commitment and established track record in providing a safe eco-system for businesses and individuals, 360 intends to provide best in class safeguards that will evolve over time.


Will your proposed gTLD impose any measures for protecting the privacy or confidential information of registrants or users? If so, please describe any such measures

360 will conform with section 1.8.6 of ICANN Registry Agreement:
Registry Operator will: 1) implement appropriate measures to avoid abuse of this feature (e.g., permitting access only to legitimate authorized users); and 2) ensure the feature is in compliance with any applicable privacy laws or policies.

Meanwhile, 360 is committed to user privacy protection and has adopted a comprehensive privacy policy which is available online at http://www.360.cn/privacy/v2/xuyan.html (in Simplified Chinese). 360 also recognizes that gTLD registrant / user privacy protection is an evolving area of law in which there is no international standard, the measures for protecting the privacy and confidential information of registrants or users will be developed based on industry best practice such as Registrar Accreditation: Model Privacy Policy provided by ICANN (see http://www.icann.org/en/registrars/model-privacy-policy.htm)

Nevertheless, 360 as a registry operator shall take reasonable steps to protect personal data from loss, misuse, unauthorized disclosure, alteration or destruction. 360 as a registry operator shall not use or authorize the use of personal data in a way that is incompatible with the notice provided to registrar(s) / registrant(s). Personal data shall refer to all data about any identified or identifiable natural person. 360 as a registry operator will not make commercial use of, or collect, traffic data regarding domain names or non-existent domain names for purposes such as the determination of the availability and health of the Internet, pinpointing specific points of failure, characterizing attacks and misconfigurations, identifying compromised networks and hosts, and promoting the sale of domain names.

Publicly available registrant information such as WHOIS service is intended only for query-based access. Specific WHOIS access policy is listed within the general registration policy.





Describe whether and in what ways outreach and communications will help to achieve your projected benefits.
While 360 sees the potential for this gTLD to serve as a cornerstone for its future online strategic initiative, and consider it a critical element of its business competency, there are still a number of unanswered questions concerning consumer recognition, security and stability, and broader industry adoption of new gTLDs within the marketplace that must be satisfactorily answered first. Once these concerns have been answered to 360's satisfaction, 360 is committed to making prominent use of the .XIHUAN gTLDs in printed and online material as well as across its network of websites, affiliates, and partners. As of end of 2011, 360 has over 46 Millions USD annually spending on selling and marketing. 360 is expecting to allocate adequate resource on marketing and branding of .XIHUAN TLD when appropriate.×

Operational Rules and Cost Benefits

Although 360 intends to offer .XIHUAN TLD to eligible registrant, it is expected that trademark owners may wish to apply for 2nd level string in this TLD. 360 shall conform to necessary requirement in the ICANN New gTLD program Applicant Guidebook as well as ICANN Registry Agreement in regards to... Read more

Although 360 intends to offer .XIHUAN TLD to eligible registrant, it is expected that trademark owners may wish to apply for 2nd level string in this TLD. 360 shall conform to necessary requirement in the ICANN New gTLD program Applicant Guidebook as well as ICANN Registry Agreement in regards to trademark protection (i.e. utilization of trademark clearinghouse on required Sunrise and Trademark Claim services, URS, etc.), as well as relevant domestic and international rules or best practices. This shall also provide eligible registrants and users at-large with a single trusted source for 360 with a substantially lower risk of fraud and/or scams for its customers. 360 believes that the safeguards set forth in the Applicant Guidebook and the proposed business model outlined in Section 18(a) will minimize and potential negative social costs.


What other steps will you take to minimize negative consequences/costs imposed upon consumers?
360 believes that the proposed operation of the .XIHUAN gTLD as set forth in this application has no known negative consequences or cost implications on consumers. To the contrary, the proposed operation of this registry will likely lead to direct and quantifiable benefits to consumers. 360 has proven track record of providing cost benefits to users, in which that China, the primary market 360 operates, has been highly price sensitive in online marketplace. 360 believes that by following the core corporate goals as identified in Section 18(a) it will be able provide real value to consumer, and minimize any potential negative consequences/costs.



How will multiple applications for a particular domain name be resolved, for example, by auction or on a first-come/first-serve basis?
360 plans to refer to past gTLD operation practices to resolve multiple applications for a particular domain name in a fair, predictable, and transparent way. This would include, and not limited to: Request for Proposal (RFP), public or private auction based on set(s) of policy and business requirements, lottery, or first-come/first-serve basis. Multiple applications may be processed at once or in batch, depending on various internal and external factors. This allocation policy will not be determined until 360 completely evaluates and decides upon a best in class allocation mechanism that can include and balance the interest of rights holders, registrants, registrars / resellers, as well as users in general.


Explain any cost benefits for registrants you intend to implement (e.g., advantageous pricing, introductory discounts, bulk registration discounts).
360 understands the discount benefits and price sensitivity to the market it currently serves, and shall be ready to adopt advantageous pricing or discount if necessary. On the other hand, it is irresponsible for 360 to determine any pricing strategy at this point, in which such strategy may sacrifice registry's long-term profitability and lead to financial risk of the registry. Therefore, 360 will not make the the decision of offering introductory discount pricing or bulk registration discount at this point.


Note that the Registry Agreement requires that registrars be offered the option to obtain initial domain name registrations for periods of one to ten years at the discretion of the registrar, but no greater than ten years. Additionally, the Registry Agreement requires advance written notice of price increases. Do you intend to make contractual commitments to registrants regarding the magnitude of price escalation? If so, please describe your plans.
360 is committed to providing the domain name registration periods set forth in the registry agreement. However, as noted above the registration and use of the domain name is conditioned upon the eligibility of a registrant initially, providing contractual commitments in a domain name registrant agreement regarding the magnitude of price escalations does not seem relevant or appropriate. 360 shall be ready to further explore this option when necessary.×

Is this a Community-based TLD?

No

Is this a Geographic-based TLD?

No

Protection of Geographic Names

We will protect names with national or geographic significance by reserving the country and territory names at the second level and at all other levels within the TLD, as per the requirements in the New TLD Registry Agreement (Specification 5, paragraph 5). We will employ a series of rules to... Read more

We will protect names with national or geographic significance by reserving the country and territory names at the second level and at all other levels within the TLD, as per the requirements in the New TLD Registry Agreement (Specification 5, paragraph 5).
We will employ a series of rules to translate the geographical names required to be reserved by Specification 5, paragraph 5 to a form consistent with the ʺhost namesʺ format used in domain names.

We will also review and learn from other rules and best practices which were adopted successfully by existing TLDs:
-- ICANN Board Resolution 01-92 regarding the methodology developed for the reservation and release of country names in the .INFO top-level domain, see http://www.icann.org/en/minutes/minutes-10sep01.htm;
-- ICANN's Proposed Action Plan on .INFO Country Names, see http://www.icann.org/en/meetings/montevideo/action-plan-country-names-09oct01.htm;
-- Second WIPO Internet Domain Name Process - The Recognition and Rights and the Use of Names in the Internet Domain Name System, Section 6, Geographical Identifiers, see http://www.wipo.int/amc/en/processes/process2/report/html/report.html;
-- The GAC Principles Regarding New gTLDs, see https://gacweb.icann.org/download/attachments/1540128/gTLD_principles_0.pdf?version=1&modificationDate=1312358178000
-- ICANN's Generic Names Supporting Organization Reserved Names Working Group - Final Report, see http://gnso.icann.org/issues/new-gtlds/final-report-rn-wg-23may07.htm

Considering the Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) advice "Principles regarding new gTLDs", these domains will be blocked, at no cost to governments, public authorities, or IGOs, before the TLD is introduced (Sunrise), so that no parties may apply for them. We will publish a list of these names before Sunrise, so our registrars and their prospective applicants can be aware that these names are reserved.

We will define a procedure so that governments can request the above reserved domain(s) if they would like to take possession of them. This procedure will be based on existing methodology developed for the release of country names in the .INFO TLD. For example, we will require a written request from the country's GAC representative, or a written request from the country's relevant Ministry or Department. We will allow the designated beneficiary (the Registrant) to register the name, with an accredited Afilias Registrar, possibly using an authorization number transmitted directly to the designated beneficiary in the country concerned.

As defined by Specification 5, paragraph 5, such geographic domains may be released to the extent that Registry Operator reaches agreement with the applicable government(s). Registry operator will work with respective GAC representatives of the country's relevant Ministry of Department to obtain their release of the names to the Registry Operator.

If internationalized domains names (IDNs) are introduced in the TLD in the future, we will also reserve the IDN versions of the country names in the relevant script(s) before IDNs become available to the public. If we find it advisable and practical, we will confer with relevant language authorities so that we can reserve the IDN domains properly along with their variants.

Regarding GAC advice regarding second-level domains not specified via Specification 5, paragraph 5: All domains awarded to registrants are subject to the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP), and to any properly-situated court proceeding. We will ensure appropriate procedures to allow governments, public authorities or IGO's to challenge abuses of names with national or geographic significance at the second level. In its registry-registrar agreement, and flowing down to registrar-registrant agreements, the registry operator will institute a provision to suspend domains names in the event of a dispute. We may exercise that right in the case of a dispute over a geographic name.×